Officer Accused of Beating Suspect Gets Probation

MEXICO, Mo. (AP) - One of the four police officers accused of beating a suspected methamphetamine maker has been sentenced to probation after pleading no contest to a misdemeanor charge of peace disturbance.

The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports that Lake St. Louis officer Dion Wilson entered the plea Wednesday. Officials with Lake St. Louis Police say they do not expect the plea to affect Wilson's employment. Wilson and three other officers from St. Charles County were charged in 2009 following the arrest of Phiullip Alberternst in Middletown, Mo. The officers were part of the St. Charles County Regional Drug Task Force.

Officers with the East Central Drug Task Force said the St. Charles County officers illegally entered the home where the suspect was staying, and used excessive force in arresting him.